Zachary T. Steele-Reich
Brewton
Summary
Senior rail industry leader with 8+ years of progressive experience spanning field operations, safety, compliance, and multi-site executive management. Proven ability to build safety-driven cultures, lead regulatory compliance programs, and drive operational performance across geographically dispersed locations. Recognized for reducing risk exposure, improving profitability, and aligning frontline execution with corporate objectives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Railcar Repairman
Alabama Export Services
01.2024 - Current
- Provide technical and safety leadership for railcar inspection, repair, and welding operations.
- Ensure full compliance with FRA and AAR requirements while mentoring technicians and enforcing quality standards.
- Apply extensive field experience to proactively identify risk, reduce defects, and maintain operational readiness.
General Manager, Northern Region
Cathcart Rail
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Directed operational, safety, and financial performance across 14 locations supporting 10+ railroad and industrial customers.
- Opened three new CSX-served facilities that achieved profitability within six months.
- Achieved zero MID exceptions and zero recordable injuries while increasing employee retention by approximately 45%.
- Established accountability systems, disciplined per policy, and aligned field execution with corporate strategy.
Southern Regional Manager
Cathcart Rail
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led safety and production improvements across 12 locations in Florida and Georgia.
- Served as direct field support to frontline leadership, conducting audits, training sessions, and compliance reviews.
- Improved inventory control, lowered operating costs, and strengthened customer confidence through consistent regulatory adherence.
Manager, Safety, Training & Compliance
Harbor Rail Services of California, Inc.
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Senior corporate leader responsible for safety and regulatory programs across 40+ locations nationwide.
- Served as Part 217 Administrator and Part 219 DER, and primary liaison with FRA, OSHA, and BROWZ.
- Implemented training, auditing, and incident response systems that contributed to a 60% reduction in insurance premiums within two years.
Independent Contractor, Rail Repair Agent
Progress Rail
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Performed FRA- and AAR-compliant railcar inspections and mechanical repairs including braking systems, draft systems, suspension components, and structural welding.
- Built foundational expertise supporting later leadership roles in safety and operations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Northview High School
Skills
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance (FRA, OSHA, CFR, AAR)
- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Multi-Site Leadership & P&L Oversight
- Safety Culture Development & Incident Reduction
- Training Systems
- Audits
- Root Cause Analysis
- Executive & Customer Relationship Management
- Railcar inspection
- Structural welding
- Compliance audits
- Mechanical repair
- Inventory management
- Customer service
- Operational oversight
- Safety leadership
- Risk assessment
- Effective communication
- Team building
- Training development
- Problem solving
- Quality assurance
Certifications And Technical Expertise
- CFR & GCOR Compliance Part 217.9 Administrator
- Part 219 DER
- Part 240/242 Administration
- SafeTrack/EQMS Reporting
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Safety Intervention Programs
- P&L Management
- Welding & Mechanical Oversight
- Forklift Certified
Timeline
Lead Railcar Repairman
Alabama Export Services
01.2024 - Current
General Manager, Northern Region
Cathcart Rail
01.2022 - 01.2024
Southern Regional Manager
Cathcart Rail
01.2020 - 01.2022
Manager, Safety, Training & Compliance
Harbor Rail Services of California, Inc.
01.2019 - 01.2020
Independent Contractor, Rail Repair Agent
Progress Rail
01.2017 - 01.2019
High School Diploma -
Northview High School